WARRENSBURG, Mo. – The (Receiving Votes) Central Missouri Mules (20-7, 11-4 MIAA) defeated No. 25 Arkansas-Fort Smith Lions (18-6, 9-6 MIAA) by a final score of 80-52, Saturday, Feb. 14, during Mo's Maniacs Youth Day, inside the Jerry M. Hughes Athletics Center in Warrensburg.
The Lions gained an early lead, but Central Missouri's
Jevon Hill (game-high 18 points, seven rebounds, and two steals overall) evened the game at seven thanks to a four-point play, helping the Mules to a 16-4 run. Hill, a native of Wichita, ended the opening half of play with 13 points, connecting on 4-of-7 from beyond the arc as UCM led by eight at the break.
UAFS opened the scoring with a pair of baskets to begin the second half of play, but the Mules responded with a 27-2 run, highlighted by 10 points from
Lazerek Houston. Houston ended the contest with a game-high 18 points, connecting on 7-of-11 from the floor, including 3-of-5 from three-point range, as Central Missouri improved to 20-7 overall and 11-4 in MIAA play, extending its winning streak to five.
The Mules dictated the glass, out-rebounding Arkansas-Fort Smith 46-35, while limiting the Lions to a season-low 52 points as they shot 33 percent from the floor and 17 percent from beyond the arc on the afternoon.
Four UCM players finished in double figures, including 12 points on 4-of-9 from the field with a game-best eight rebounds from forward
Trinell Parker, while reigning MIAA Freshman of the Year
Kyran Tilley posted 10 points, a game-high seven assists, and five boards in the winning effort.
Sophomore
Jake Fritz had eight points on 3-of-4 from the field, including 2-of-3 from beyond the arc, as the Mules' bench outscored UAFS 14-12, led by
Carter Kaifes' six points and six boards, while
Kyree Polk grabbed a career-best seven rebounds, adding four points.
Noah Martin and
Deshawne Crim ended the ballgame with two points each, while
AJ Lux grabbed five rebounds in the winning effort.
The Mules continue MIAA play on Thursday, Feb. 19, as they take on the Rogers State Hillcats (16-8, 10-5 MIAA), with tip-off slated for 7:30 p.m. inside the Claremore Expo Center in Claremore, Okla.
